A biosensor based upon a vertically emitting, distributed feedback (DFB) laser. The DFB laser comprises a replica-molded, one- or two-dimensional dielectric grating coated with a laser dye-doped-polymer as the gain medium. A sensor is also described in which the grating layer and the active layer are combined into a single layer. DFB lasers using an inorganic or organic thin film with alternating regions of high and low index of refraction as the active layer are also disclosed. The sensor actively generates its own narrowband high intensity light output without stringent requirements for coupling alignment, thereby resulting in a simple, robust illumination and detection configuration.

Below the knee muscle weakness, defined by weak dorsiflexor (shin) or plantarflexor (calf) muscle groups, can result from a variety of physical impairments or congenital abnormalities. Stroke, spinal cord injuries, polio and multiple sclerosis are among some of the physical injuries and congenital defects responsible for the condition. The largest complication from below the knee muscle weakness is abnormal gait, which when compensated for can lead to further complications in other muscles and joints.

Ankle-foot-orthoses (AFOs) have been designed to assist afflicted individuals in walking and rehabilitation of the weakened muscle groups. Unfortunately, many commercially available AFOs are passive devices that cannot provide assistance during the propulsive phase of gait. Furthermore, these instruments are not capable of adapting to changes in walking conditions. Powered AFOs have been engineered to overcome these limitations but lack practicality in that they are commonly tethered to off-board power sources.

This technology provides a non-tethered, portable pneumatic powered AFO that controls and assists propulsion of the foot as well as ankle motion using plantarflexor and dorsiflexor torque at the ankle joint.

A custom-built pneumatic rotary actuator is located at the ankle joint. Torque generated by the actuator is used for both motion control of the foot and to provide supplemental torque for the individual during gait. Pressure regulators are used to manage the force produced by the rotary actuator and valves are used to direct the flow of fluid power to the actuator. Control and sensing of the actuator is accomplished through use of pressure and angle sensors and onboard electronics.

Applications

This device can be used to aid individuals afflicted with below the knee muscle weakness or impaired gait resulting from any number of physical injuries or congenital disabilities. Portability of the device permits the device to be used in a variety of locations. Applications include:

Assistance in walking (including flexibility to walk outside)

Relief from pain and discomfort during walking

Rehabilitation of dorsiflexors and plantarflexors (possible from the patients personal residence)

Benefits

The portable pneumatic AFO is beneficial compared to passive AFOs in that it:

Controls velocity of foot during initial contact to prevent foot-slap

Provides torque at end of the stance for propulsion

Supports the foot in the neutral, 90 degree position during swing to prevent foot-drop and allow free range of motion throughout the walking cycle

Enables full customization of timing and magnitude of assistance through electronic and mechanical means

Fragile X syndrome (FX) is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability and occurs in roughly 1:3,600 males and 1:8,000 females. Physical features associated with FX include increased dendritic spine density, long faces, large testicles, and connective tissue problems such as flat feet, double-jointed fingers and hyper-flexible joints. Behavioral characteristics can include ADD, autism and social anxiety. While there is no single treatment for FX, there are palliative treatments that are aimed at improving the lives of affected individuals as opposed to treating the underlying condition. There are various clinics testing new medications, but no FDA-approved drug is currently available specifically for treating FX.

Breakthrough

Based on a finding that mice with FX exhibit excessive vasculature in primary visual cortex, the Galvez Lab at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has significantly reduced both physical and cognitive abnormalities in affected mice by controlling the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), the dominant regulator of vascular growth. This treatment in mice demonstrates a reduction in characteristics common in FX affected individuals and has direct relevance to the underlying mechanisms of these abnormalities as well as a potential treatment of the syndrome.

Design

The Galvez Lab has found that VEGF is overexpressed in FX mice. To explore the role of VEGF-A in mediating other FX abnormalities, VEGF-A was blocked in adult FX mice using Bevacizumab, a drug used to block new blood vessel formation. After 10 days, FX mice treated with the drug exhibited significant reductions in testicle weight and a decrease in synapse density, which strongly suggests elevated VEGF-A expression is a major contributor for some FX abnormalities. Due to the effect of Bevacizumab on FX synapse abnormalities, the Galvez Lab also examined effects on cognitive functions via a novel vs. familiar object preferential test. The findings demonstrate that VEGF-A contributes not only to physical abnormalities of FX but to associated cognitive abnormalities as well. Further studies are being done to better understand FX and to treat the condition itself.

Dr. Brenda Wilson has developed an anti-toxin that can be used for treatment of botulism. The botulinum toxin causes dangerous paralysis of motor neurons that can lead to breathing complications. Existing anti-toxin therapy only works on toxins circulating in the bloodstream and not on cells that are already intoxicated with botulinum toxin. Dr. Wilson's invention can specifically treat botulinum-intoxicated neurons and can neutralize the toxin intracellularly. In vivo experiments in a mouse model have shown treatment with the anti-toxin can reverse botulism paralysis. This invention has the potential to speed recovery for individuals suffering from the devastating effects of botulism intoxication.

Dr. Freund is developing a method of treating anxiety with the diabetes drug, glyburide. By exploring the effects of anxiogenics like adenosine on the brain, Dr. Freund is developing the treatment of anxiety through use of ATP-sensivitive potassium channel blockers. Though there are many anxiety medications currently available, these drugs have various side effects. Additionally, current medications are not effective on all individuals, but the number of people using anti-anxiety medication is increasing.

Dr. John Rogers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed bioresorbable silicon electronics that can be used for real-time sensing of neural electrical activity. This invention could prevent follow-up neural surgeries, and has potentials for long-term monitoring of patients.

Dr. Hsiao-Wecksler from UIUC has developed passive hydraulic forearm simulator with an artificial joint. This device is designed to replicate different degrees of spasticity and rigidity so that medical professionals can utilize this as a teaching tool. Unlike real patients, this hydraulic model is able to provide a range of motions with consistency and uniformity. Unlike other simulators, this device requires no sophisticated algorithm for external computational control of the movement.

Dr. Andrew Smith from the University of Illinois has developed new quantum dots with a multidentate polymer coating that minimizes size while maintaining stability and improving efficiency of conjugation. Quantum dots are promising agents for cellular and molecular imaging, but their bulky organic coatings have limited their use in cells. Dr. Smith's quantum dots are small, stable, and can be conjugated to targeting molecules and purified easily.

Dr. Hergenrother from the University of IL has developed a novel antibiotic that is effective against certain antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria. His powerful predictive algorithm determines accumulation of molecules in Gram-negative bacteria and enables conversion of known Gram-positive only antibiotics into novel compounds with Gram-negative potency.